Reds Reunite With Free Agent Eugenio Suárez

The Reds needed a jolt. A proven bat that comes with a level of production that lifts the team and changes their ceiling. Someone you can count on and have few questions about. They got just that.

Why Suárez Fits

With the Reds acquiring Ke’Byan Hayes at last year’s trade deadline a reunion with Suárez did not look all that possible. However, as Suárez has aged, so has his defense. His days as a regular at third base were likely over and a natural transition to first, or DH, is the next step.

The Reds used Spencer Steer as their first baseman in 2025, but his versatility allows them to not be cornered into that same position in 2026. Rookie and top-50 prospect Sal Stewart is poised to take over first as his offensive profile fits first much better than Steer, who will likely see more time in the outfield.

I think Suárez settling in as the DH is the perfect fit. His defense does not bring any value and allowing him to focus on doing what he does best – hitting home runs – should be the sole focus.

Last season the Reds hit a total of 167 home runs good for 21st in the league. Considering they play in a hitter friendly ballpark, 21st is nowhere near good enough. The front office needed to address the power need and showed early in the offseason, with their interest in Schwarber, that they saw the need was there.

Adding Suárez allows the Reds to have a bona fide power bat with 40+ home run potential to pair with Elly De La Cruz and Stewart in the middle of the lineup. With another proven veteran in the mix, the Reds are no longer as reliant on Matt McLain or JJ Bleday providing the lift that the team desperately needed.

I’m sure the decision to sign with the Reds on a one-year deal was not what Suárez and his agent imagined entering the offseason. Hell, he’s earned a multi-year deal. But, to return to a city that you seemingly loved, be part of a team that trending in the right direction, and help lead a young core is not a bad Plan B.

Contract and Roster Ripple Effect

When I saw one-year at $15 million reported as the deal it definitely caught my eye. That’s it? Sure, Suárez is turning 35 years old this summer and is a one-trick-pony but his type of home run production does not grow on trees.

It’s worth wondering how much the new CBA, which will (hopefully) be in effect next season, plays into Suárez not getting more years. To see a player with his track record land at this price and term is shocking, nonetheless.

For the Reds I don’t think you could do much better. You fill a massive need with a player who fans already love while avoiding the type of contract we have seen go south in Cincinnati in recent years. Not to mention you give the fans reason to celebrate after what was looking like another offseason of frustration.

A lot of discussion this winter was around which name would have to be traded in order to offset money, and acquire, an impact bat. According to reporter Charlie Goldsmith, the Reds will not need to shed any contracts in order to sign Suárez, meaning Brady Singer will be in a Reds uniform.

The trickle down effect of this moves starts with Steer. He’s moved positions three times now and will likely fill a platoon/utility role in 2026. He has a chance to earn a starting role in left field but has competition to beat out.

Cincinnati might not have upgraded their outfield with one big name, but the one opening in left now has another player with some level of production in the mix. Steer, Bleday, Benson, Myers, and even Héctor Rodríguez will be the first options.

The move also could mean Bleday and Benson are battling for one roster spot. Dane Myers is the back up center fielder and short-side platoon option while Steer also factors into the outfield, first, and second. Would the Reds carry a bench or Jose Trevino (catcher), Steer, Benson, and Myers? Feels like a more natural infielder will need to claim a spot.

Final Thoughts

Well Reds fans, it took longer than I would have liked but the Reds made an impact move. And a smart one at that. I was worried Terry Francona’s focus on bat to ball approach would have eliminated Suárez from consideration entirely. I guess Tito can change, too.

Outside of a potential back up infielder, I think the Reds have a pretty set roster now. They are still a bit righty heavy, but nothing detrimental. They managed to keep their rotation in tact, add three veterans to their bullpen, bring back their closer, and add Geno Suárez. All in all not a bad offseason.